- Salary statistics
- Upholsterer, seamstress
Upholsterer, seamstress
30 800 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Upholsterer, seamstress
What does an upholsterer, seamstress do? – Tasks and work environment
An upholsterer, seamstress primarily works with reupholstering, renovating, and repairing furniture, as well as sewing textiles for interior decoration. Tasks can range from replacing worn fabrics on chairs and sofas to creating custom curtains and cushions. The profession requires great precision and attention to detail, as work is often performed manually using both traditional and modern techniques. The work environment varies between small workshops, studios, and sometimes clients’ homes, where working positions can be diverse and occasionally physically demanding.
Salary development over time
The salary for upholsterers, seamstresses has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,100 SEK per month, increasing to 30 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 30 900 SEK per month. The total increase between 2022 and 2024 is approximately 18%. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for craftsmanship in furniture renovation and interior design, as well as a growing market for sustainable consumption. Despite some regional variations, there is a consistent trend where experienced upholsterers and seamstresses are valued higher, especially in areas with strong traditions in furniture craftsmanship.
Upholsterer, seamstress salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,100 SEK/month (2022 level)
- Highest salary: 30 900 SEK/month (2024 level)
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No specific data available
- Regional differences: Data missing
Education and qualifications
To work as an upholsterer, seamstress, a combination of craft training and practical experience is usually required. Many opt for a high school education in crafts, preferably with a focus on textiles or furniture renovation, but it is also common to pursue vocational training or apprenticeships. Practical training under supervision is crucial for developing the precision and material sense required in the profession.
- Education: High school craft program, often 3 years
- Further education: Vocational colleges or adult education in upholstery/textiles
- Internship: Apprenticeship or practical placement is very common
- Certifications: Optional industry courses and journeyman exams
- Prerequisites: Interest in craftsmanship, accuracy, and some creativity
Many upholsterers and seamstresses work with both antique and modern furniture, offering exciting opportunities to combine traditional techniques with new materials and design ideas. It is a profession where creativity and problem-solving often go hand in hand.
Common benefits and compensations
Within the profession, it is common to be offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training. Some workplaces also provide tool allowances, work clothing, and favorable pension agreements. For self-employed individuals, the ability to set their own working hours and take on personal projects can be seen as additional advantages.
Competition and challenges
The job market for upholsterers, seamstresses is characterized by limited competition but also a relatively small number of available positions. Since the profession requires specialized skills and craftsmanship, it can be challenging for recent graduates to establish themselves without a strong portfolio or network. The industry is also influenced by economic cycles and changing consumption patterns; trends around reuse and sustainability can quickly alter demand. Digitalization and machine production pose additional challenges but can also create new opportunities for adaptable professionals.
Tips for aspiring upholsterers, seamstresses
To succeed as an upholsterer, seamstress, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in materials and details, as the profession often demands great precision and patience. Developing a creative streak is valuable when finding solutions for unique customer requests or working with unusual materials. Being flexible and eager to learn new techniques gives you an advantage, especially in a field where tradition and innovation meet. Building a network during your training is recommended, as many jobs are secured through contacts and recommendations. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with clients and colleagues, and for those wanting to work independently, some business understanding is also necessary. Finally, resilience and methodical work are crucial, as quality work often takes time but results in satisfied customers and long-term opportunities.
Key facts about upholsterers, seamstresses
- Education level: High school or vocational training in crafts
- Typical work setting: Workshop, studio, or own business
- Demand: 341 available jobs in 2024
- Special skills: Material knowledge and craftsmanship techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an upholsterer, seamstress can develop into a specialist in specific materials or techniques, such as antique furniture restoration or advanced textile sewing. There are also opportunities to start your own business or take on supervisory roles within larger workshops. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but the overall demand for craftspeople remains stable and positively influenced by trends in sustainability and reuse. With the right skills and adaptability, there are good prospects for continued development and specialization, although competition for the most attractive jobs can be high.
Frequently asked questions about upholsterers, seamstresses
- What does a upholsterer, seamstress earn?
- The average salary is 30 900 SEK per month in 2024. - What education is required to become an upholsterer, seamstress?
- A high school education in crafts or equivalent vocational training is recommended. - What does the job market look like?
- There are 341 available jobs within the profession, but competition may vary locally. - What does an upholsterer, seamstress do?
- Works with furniture renovation, reupholstering, and textile sewing for interior design. - What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, creativity, patience, and good communication skills are central. - Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, through vocational colleges, industry courses, or journeyman exams.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Upholsterer, seamstress has the SSYK code 7533, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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